Have A Splashing Time

Swimming is something we get asked about a lot. Should having KC stop you from enjoying this great all round fitness activity? No.

Wearing contact lenses while swimming should be avoided whenever possible as it leaves your eyes vulnerable to contamination by harmful bacteria present in the water, putting you at risk of eye irritation and infections.

Quick advice on swimming with lenses

Avoid swimming in lenses as water may contaminate them and distort their shape.

If you must wear lenses while swimming, wear daily disposables with waterproof swimming goggles.

Consider prescription goggles to correct refractive errors and see clearly under water.

What to do if you must swim with lenses

If, for any reason, you have to swim with contact lenses in and you cannot avoid wearing them, consider wearing daily disposables along with waterproof swimming goggles. Because the water is host to a variety of potentially harmful microorganisms, dailies will give you the freedom to use contact lenses while swimming without needing to clean and rinse them afterwards. All you need to do is put them in before your swim and throw them out immediately after. That’s if you can get them to work with your KC eyes.

If at any time you feel discomfort or pain with your contact lenses while swimming, be sure to remove and discard them immediately. It is also worth visiting your optician for any advice involving swimming in your lenses.

Alternatives to contact lenses while swimming

Ideal for regular swimmers, prescription swimming goggles are a great investment that correct your vision while you swim.

They are custom made and work the same way eyeglasses do – by correcting specific refractive errors like myopia (shortsightedness), hyperopia (longsightedness) and presbyopia, according to your prescription. Because they seal off the water from coming into contact with your eyes, you will be able to see clearly underwater without the risk of contamination.

Some brands of prescription swimming goggles are even available as ready-made models, which come with the same prescription figures for both eyes. Before purchasing, we recommend that you check the goggles against the prescription you received from your optician to ensure that it matches exactly.

KCGB friend and fitness fan Ash Winter says: “As long as your goggles fit correctly, lenses should be fine. I wear RGP & piggyback with a soft lens for comfort, I use #vorgee#terminator#goggles with a mirrored dark lens, great suction and great comfort, and best of all not too expensive! Oh and I’m also wearing a #fitbit#flex2to keep track of my training.” #swimming

Ash concludes: “Keep going people, you are all individuals with one hell of a story to tell, embrace it and enjoy life. #iaminvictus “